Killer driver Mark Featherstone will be released from jail within weeks after serving just two years behind bars for mowing down a 23-year-old man.

Killer driver Mark Featherstone will be released from jail within weeks after serving just two years behind bars for mowing down a 23-year-old man.

George Fisher slipped into a coma and died in February 2001 after being struck by the hit-and-run driver in Blyth. Featherstone was jailed the following September.

Dad John wrote a heart-rending letter to the Parole Board, pleading with them to keep his son's killer behind bars for his full four-year sentence.

But now Mr Fisher has been informed Featherstone will be released in August and will be living in Howdon, North Tyneside, just 10 miles from the family home.

Mr Fisher, who lives with his wife Celeste in South Beach, Blyth, said: "I got a phone call from the victim liaison officer to let us know the parole board had decided to release him and I was devastated.

"It was disgraceful. He was only sentenced to four years in the first place but he has served just half of that and he has been allowed back into the community in between. That is not justice.

"Featherstone will be going home to his family but our George can never come home."

George was knocked down by Featherstone as he enjoyed a night out with friends in Blyth in 2001. He was struck as he crossed Bridge Street in the town.

A police report later revealed the 20-year-old, who pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, had cannabis in his bloodstream when he was picked up by officers.

Mr and Mrs Fisher backed our Justice for Rebecca campaign, calling for courts to have the power to give life sentences for drivers who kill, in the wake of six-year-old Rebecca Sawyer's death in Ashington at New Year.

Featherstone will be on licence until 2005 and will not be allowed to drive until 2006. He is also banned from entering the Blyth area.

But the family were infuriated to learn he will be allowed out for three days before he is released to help him adjust to living back at home.

Mr Fisher added: "They are not content with letting him out to work in the community before he has even served half his sentence. He even gets another three days off it to adjust to going home.

"The victim liaison officer warned us he might get out because he has been a model prisoner. It doesn't change the fact he killed our son."

A Parole Board spokesman said: "In considering any parole application, the Board will take account of the seriousness of the offence which led to conviction and the risk of further offences during the parole period. The decision will be informed by reports from the prison and probation services regarding the offender's behaviour in prison."